Pet people are a special breed. This blog is for anyone who can't get enough news about the animals in our lives.

Pet lady: That's my role in the Miami Herald newsroom. I've been here since 1989, during which time I've had 11 dogs, a ring-necked parakeet, a chicken, and a lizard named Lance. At the moment, I have four dogs, one step-dog, and two cockatiels. A native New Yorker, I came here from Louisville, Ky. I'm a graduate of the University of Arizona, and had a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard in 1988. I have written 309 stories containing the word "dog" in the past 20 years.

Herald Blogs

I had the privilege of observing the courageous and dedicated dogs that worked Ground Zero after the 9-11 disaster. Their feet were bleeding, they were overheated and parched, and they never found anyone alive, yet they and their handlers kept going back into the inferno hour after hour.

Now you can buy a sweet little stuffed search-and-rescue dog. Click here to read a story about it in the NY TImes.

'Tis the season to eat, eat more, drink, drink more, and be very merry. 'Tis also the season when pets can get into trouble with toxic plants, tempting electrical cords, and food that's bad for them. Here are some tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association about keeping your critters safe.

If you plan to take your pet with you during holiday visits, make sure that your pet is welcome first (with all the activity, it may be better to board your pet or hire a pet sitter). Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, bones from fish, pork, and poultry, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be harmful or toxic to pets. Do not allow friends and relatives to give your pet special treats it could ruin everyone's holiday (including your veterinarian's).

Do not allow pets to play with ribbons, yarn, or six-pack beverage holders and don't put ribbons or yarn around your pet's neck. If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar. These last for many years, are more attractive, and are a lot safer! Cover or tack down electrical cords.

Here's a street rescue who needs a loving family: Tibet. She is sweet, loving and hugs you around the hips when you pet her. She was thrown out of a moving car, according to her rescuer, Andrea, who says that two girls saved her and brought her to rescue. Three days later, she had 11 puppies! They've all been adopted, but the mom still needs a forever family.

Andrea says she cocks her head when she's listening, sits on command and is fine with other dogs (but not cats.

Look at this beautiful dog: Gypsy Bean. Andrea's partner, Jacquelyn, saved him - found him roaming Miami's Design District in the worst shape imaginable: mange, Eherlichiosis (a nasty, often fatal blood disease), starving. She nursed him back to health and says he's the happiest guy there is. Also housebroken and socialized to other dogs. She says he can size people up and determine if they're friend or foe. He's between 4-6 years old, probably got some Lab or Newfie in him.

Now take a deep breath and look at the picture taken when she found him. It's amazing that he survived, and many kudos are due Andrea for saving his life. How human beings can let this happen to an animal is beyond my comprehension. Contact Andrea and Jacquelyn at rescuedoggies@comcast.net

In a recent posting about "urban mushing,'' I should have noted that this is NOT something South Floridians should try in the summer. I've been reminded of this by PETA and a blog reader who are, of course, correct that while dogs enjoy exercise, it's way too hot and humid here to run dogs long distances - especially with a human in tow - when the only sane place to be is inside in the AC. Paws can burn on the scorching sidewalks and dogs can suffer heatstroke, and nobody wants that.

This is a really cute little dog book that would fit nicely in a Christmas stocking.Dog Sense: 99 relationship tips from your canine companion, by Carla Genender and Fort Lauderdale photographer Amy Hill.

Look at those two dog faces on the cover and tell me they don't know all there is to know about love. There's great animal wisdom in these pages on the subjects of honesty, loyalty, affection and other virtues that keep relationships healthy and whole. Sloppy wet kisses aren't a bad idea either......

You can get it on Amazon.com, new for $16.95 or used for substantially less.

Snoop Dogg, the hip-hop superstar, aka The Doggfather, has a new line of dog clothing and accessories made by JAKKS Pacific. I could send you to various sites to read more about it, but how many times will I have the chance to reference ThugLifeArmy.com? Yo, yo, yo - check it out!

Joe from Miramar sent this photo of his 5-year-old Maltese, Mitzi. She was in his truck and ready to ride. He captioned the picture: "Come on Dad, get the Harley loaded and let's go!''

Now, I know people who are ga-ga goo-goo about their pets, but from the tone of his e-mails, Joe sounds like his whole life is a Tom-Cruise-on-Oprah's-couch moment. He looooooves this little girl (and who wouldn't, with a face like that)?

Want to see your precious on the blog? E-mail a jpg photo to pets@MiamiHerald.com.

The laptop and the jewelry can be replaced, but a 13-year-old Yorkie? Never. Some creep stole not only holiday gifts but a cherished family pet in a Miami burglarly Monday. Maybe they thought they were getting highly marketable - Yorkies can go for a grand - but what they got was a senior canine citizen with kidney trouble. FOR SHAME! Click here to read the story.